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UPDATE: Henri Weakened, No Warnings Remain in Worcester

By TWIW Staff | August 22, 2021
Last Updated: August 22, 2021

UPDATE: August 22, 5:50 PM

The latest update from the National Weather Service, issued after 5 PM, reports that Hurricane Henri is downgraded to a tropical storm and continues to weaken over land. The storm is 130 miles west-northwest of Nantucket, MA or about 50 miles west-southwest of Providence, Rhode Island.

The storm intensity is reported to be 40 miles per hour. The update at 8 AM this morning reported a storm intensity of 70 miles per hour. All watches and warning over Southern New England were cancelled. Little to no additional wind impacts are expected.

Additional impacts from flooding rains remain a concern across Connecticut and western Massachusetts.

The storm is expected to continue in and around Worcester into Monday evening.

 

 

WORCESTER – The National Weather Service [NWS] reported late Sunday morning, August 22, that in and around Worcester a Tropical Storm warning is currently in effect until further notice and a flood watch is in effect until Monday, August 23, until 8 PM.

NWS expects Hurricane Henri to make landfall somewhere between eastern Long Island and Narragansett Bay as a strong tropical storm. Henri should weaken rapidly as it reaches central Massachusetts Sunday night and into Monday. The threat of damaging winds, flooding rain, storm surge flooding and the possibility of a tornado remains.

The situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes and the threat is classified as limited, according to NWS. The threat of flooding rain is extensive, with an additional one to three inches of rain and higher amounts locally.

NWS expects winds of 35 to 45 miles per hour with gusts up to 55 miles per hour. There is potential for wind from 58 to 73 miles per hour, creating the possibility of significant wind damage to the area.

Hurricane Henri was about 80 miles south of Providence, Rhode Island, with a storm intensity around 70 miles per hour at around 8 AM Sunday morning.

Tips from National Grid

National Grid reports is has enabled emergency plans and secured additional resources from neighboring areas preparing for response to the storm and its aftermath.

To ensure the wellbeing of residents and utility crews working during the storm, National Grid offers the following safety tips:

  • Never touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see one, report it immediately to National Grid or your local emergency response organization.
  • Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it’s an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food.
  • Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period.
  • Before the storm hits, ensure you are prepared. Keep flashlights and extra batteries on hand and make sure mobile devices are fully charged so you can stay connected in the event of an outage. For more information see the National Grid Power Outage page.
  • If you lose power, turn off any appliances that were on when the power went off, but leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.
  • If you use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to operate it outdoors. Before operating generators, disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could jeopardize the safety of line crews and the public.

Gas Safety

National Grid also warns gas customers to take the following action for an expected gas leaks:

  • Get Out – All occupants should leave the house immediately. Do not use the telephone or light switches for any reason.
  • Call Us – After leaving the house and reaching a safe environment, call the National Grid 24-hour gas emergency numbers:
    • MA: 1-800-233-5325 or 911
  • Stay Out – Do not return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe.

How to Stay Connected to National Grid:

  • Report power outages at nationalgridus.com or call 1-800-465-1212.
  • Receive text message alerts and updates when you text the word STORM to NGRID (64743).
  • Use your mobile device to track outage information and storm-related safety tips through National Grid’s mobile site accessible at ngrid.com/mobile.
  • Track outages and ETRs at nationalgridus.com/outage-central.

 

Image Courtesy of National Weather Service

 

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